Name of vessel:

Ann Arbor No. 6

Nation:

US  Number: 214656

Type:

Propeller - steel

Dimensions:

338' x 56' x 18'3"

Tonnage:

2757     Gross; 1653 Net;

Date build:

1917

Place build:

Ecorse, Mich

Builder:

Great Lakes Engineering Works

Date of launch:

Hull No. 130

Name change(s):   Date:

(a) Maitland No. 2      sold on stocks; launched as (b)
(b) Ann Arbor No. 6     1917-1959
(c) Arthur K. Atkinson  1959-1984

Owner(s): Name    Place Date

(1) Hamilton, Toronto & Buffalo Navigation Company  Toronto, Ont.     1917-1917
(2) Ann Arbor Railroad  Frankfort, Mich.  1917-1984
(3) Peterson Builders, Inc.   Kewaunee, Wisc.   1984-

Rebuilds:

tonnage change, 1922 (2716 gross - 1679 net).
Arrived at Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, Wis., June 1, 1958, to receive new pilothouse; lengthened (30 cars); dieselized (3241 gross- 372'x56'x18'3"), deck was raised two feet.  Received Ka-Me-Wa variable-pitch propellers, rated 5,500 HP.

Engine Data

Type: (2) triple expansion (twin screw)
Cylinder & Stroke: 19.5-31-52-36
Date of Build: 1917
Place of Build: River Rouge, Mich.
Builder:Great Lakes Engineering Works
Engine Number:
Indicator HP: 1400
Remarks:
    Type: (2) Diesel
    Cylinders & Stroke: 12 Cyl. 13"x16.5"
    Date of Build: 1959
    Place of Build: Milwaukee, Wis.
    Builder: Nordberg Manufacturing Co.
    Base HP: 5610

Boiler Data

Type: scotch      Number: 4
Size: 13'6"x12'   Date of Build: 1910
Place of build: Toledo, Ohio  Builder: Marine Boiler Works

Comment:

September 1, 1919 - A switchman was killed in the yard at Manitowoc, Wisconsin while the ANN ARBOR NO 6 was being loaded. This caused a delay of four hours in her sailing time.
In 1934 the ANN ARBOR NO. 6 collided with the steamer N.F. LEOPOLD in a heavy fog.
Authorized to install fire detecting and sprinker systems 2/18/1937
Replace hand operated life boat equiptment and swinging boat davits with mechanical operated equipment, authorized 1/3/1938
March 2, 1938 - Harold Lillie, crewmember of the ANN ARBOR NO 6, stepped onto the apron as the carferry was approaching and fell into the water and suffered a broken neck.
March 14, 1959 - The ANN ARBOR NO 6 returned to service as the ARTHUR K ATKINSON after an extensive re-fit.
As Arthur K. Atkinson: collided with 10th street bridge, Manitowoc, Wis., April 29, 1973, causing as estimated $20,000 damages to the bridge.
Aground about three hours on July 6, 1981, at Manitowoc, Wis., before being released by a tug with possible propeller and shaft damage. 

Long-idle ferry Arthur K. Atkinson sold to metal recycling firm
12/7/2011 - Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. - Reid Metals of Dafter, Mich., near Sault Ste. Marie, is the successful bidder on the long-inactive Lake Michigan ferry Arthur K. Atkinson. The vessel was sold Tuesday morning by court order on the steps of the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie. The winning bid was $100,000. The new owner has 45 days to tow the vessel from the old Interlake dock at DeTour, Mich., to the MCM Marine dock in Sault Ste. Marie, where it is expected to be cut up for scrap, with work beginning immediately.
The Atkinson was launched in 1917 as the Ann Arbor No.6, and last operated in 1982. She received her current name after a 1959 repowering. Her most recent owner was Scotlund Stivers, who at one time proposed using the vessel as a floating tire recycling facility. After sitting idle at Ludington for many years, the Atkinson was towed to DeTour around 2002

12/21/2011 - The long-inactive, former Ann Arbor Railroad carferry Arthur K. Atkinson arrived at the MCM dock in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., Tuesday afternoon under tow of the MCM tugs William C. Gaynor and Mohawk. They departed the old Interlake dock at DeTour, where the Atkinson had been laid up for several years, around 9 a.m. Scrapping of the Atkinson is expected to begin shortly, following asbestos removal, and should be done by spring.